Features |
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Timeline of a life well-spent... one hundred years with Gentleman Jim Milano from Marie Merino Ryan |
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In 1913, Jim's family came to live in Melrose and shortly thereafter bought the home on Grove Street where Jim is still living.
As a young 10-year old, one of his greatest delights was the first time he played the organ at Memorial Hall. Jim has played the organ and served St.Mary's Church under all of its pastors. Father John M. Sullivan made special note of the fact that he is the ninth pastor in the more than 100-year history of St. Mary's Church, and that Jim has played the organ under each of those pastors. He also played the organ at his own high school graduation,and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and at the City's Prayer Vigil. For several years he played the organ for the commuters during the morning and evening rush hours at North Station. Jim attended the Melrose Public Schools and, as he grew older, he often attended the Board of Aldermen's meetings, of which his father was a member. He served for seven years as an alderman himself, before running for mayor, serving from 1972 - 1991. His first job was delivering the Melrose Free Press which, at that time, was published every Friday (and was actually free!). He then worked at the Melrose Theater splicing films and filling in for the organist who often suffered from bad migraine headaches. Silent films most often had organ accompaniment in those years. He worked as a Boston Police Department stenographer. Although he was president of the 1940 Class of Northeastern University School of Law, he gave up his chance to take the bar exam to enlist in the Army. While working at the B&M Law Department, he passed the bar exam after studying law at night. Entering military service in the 180th Field Artillery Battalion in 1940, before Pearl Harbor, Jim served 15 years in active and inactive duty in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He fought at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Leyte, Cebu - saw service with the Occupied Forces in Japan and was discharged in 1945, with the rank of Major. For five years he was an instructor at the Massachusetts Military Academy and was discharged from the National Guard with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1972 Jim became Melrose's first full-time mayor, a position he held for 20 years. "Gentleman Jim" is one of the titles he is known as; others are "The Mayor," "His Honor" - but, as former Mayor Dick Lyons, who succeeded Jim as mayor, once said, "As a human being I don't think there is anyone I've ever respected more in my life...not one allegation of scandal in Jim's 20 years as mayor..." Although it's been many years since Jim left public office, he has always remained active in the community. His staunch support has always been offered to the local Veteran's groups and annual Memorial Day Parades. His willingness to offer his musical talents at St. Mary's and other churches, Rotary Club meetings, Memorial Hall concerts, athletic events and other community happenings is a given, and over these many years, his service to the City and his Parish on many other levels has been remarkable. A 100th birthday has always been considered something of a milestone marking wisdom and true life experiences. We thank you, Jim, for all your years of sharing these with all of us - and always with a smile. To you, Gentleman Jim - Pride in your church, your country and community and service to one and all for these One Hundred Years is unmatched! CONGRATULATIONS and GOD BLESS YOU! November 6, 2009
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